Succession planning – tips for business owners

With this in mind, Stephen Attree, a partner at MLP Solicitors has provided some succession planning tips for family firms:

Planning and phasing

If you are preparing to exit your family business don’t just say you’re going to do it – create a clear exit and succession strategy and timeline outlining when you’re going to leave, what needs to happen before this and how the business will move forward. Share this with the whole business and start phasing yourself out of the everyday working life of the firm so it’s not a shock when you leave.

Identify and protect your culture
What makes your business stand out amongst your competitors? Once you have identified your unique culture make it an official part of your business plan – develop vision and values which will help direct business plans in the future. A family charter, or constitution, which defines the vision, mission and values of the business, and family, is a vital tool to secure the legacy of the business and family harmony.

Provide clear roles
All family members and staff need to be ‘singing from the same hymn sheet’ when it comes to what the company is all about and the vision for the future. Don’t just spend time developing the next leader, invest time and training into all family members so everyone is clear of the role they play in the business success.

Keep it all ‘above board’
In the end this is a commercial transaction and not a family one – protect the business from any disagreements by approaching the handing down of a family business as a professional and commercial transaction – not an informal agreement within the family. This means all parties know and have agreed in advance how it will work.